back splash ... done!

We bought and installed the back splash this past weekend. It looks wonderful. We decided to go with a beige 6 inch tile in a "cement block" like stack. Kevin also grouted it, wired up the pot rack, and wired all the outlets along the countertop. A really cool detail that we added was around the window. We bought blue slate and framed in the window. It is very unique and we love it. I added a few new pictures to the album as well.

Another on going project that I forgot to mention is that we are filling in our back yard with dirt. Kevin got 50 loads of dirt and dumped them in the back yard in an effort to fill in a large hole. He is trying to ready the back yard for the kids' baseball practice some day. Now his favorite thing to do is level the dirt with the tractor. I got this cute picture of him and Mia working on it. He plans on finishing that this week and seeding it. We also got the front garden weeded and some new mulch today. It was a very productive weekend for the Mesnicks!

By the way, does anyone think "the tractor is sexy?"!!!

Our countertops are in!

First off, let me scold myself, "bad blogger, bad blogger, bad blogger!"
Okay now I feel better, sorry for the lack of posts. It is unbelievable how fast the last month has flown by. It seems like yesterday I was counting down the days to my cousin Lindsey's weddding, and now it was here and gone (and beautiful by the way) and we are excitedly preparing for Meg's wedding in August.
With that said, I HAVE COUNTERTOPS, A WORKING SINK AND A DISHWASHER! It is amazing how your life changes. When I was 24, I loved the sound of my wedding song, when I was 27, I listened to the beautiful hum of my children sleeping. But none of those sounds compare with the gentle hum of a dishwasher after washing our dishes in a pedestal sink for 3 months. When I came home from shoprite yesterday, I thought I died and went to heaven! I could have slept on the tile listening to the water softly washing away the dirty dishes. I HATE to do dishes. If there was a stronger word for hate, then I would use it. I would rather scrub the bathroom than do dishes, go figure. I load everything into the dishwasher. This morning, I happily unloaded it and boy were the dishes clean!
Now about our countertop, it is gorgeous! It was worth the grief with the company. By grief I mean their time management. Here is the short version of the story. On April 23, they came and did the template. They were suppose to be here between 8 and 11 in the morning. Three phone calls later, they were here about 3. Two weeks later, we are waiting to hear about our slab. When you order granite, you are suppose to go look over your slab for any imperfections. So Kevin calls them and asks what is going on. He finds out that they "don't have our piece yet." Mind you we paid them in full in February, $3000. We feel they should have gotten our piece in when they did the template, they know what the next step is. So Kevin calls them back gives them some grief and "poof", our slab will be there the next day. (I think they just didn't want to do it right away and put us on the back burner). So we make arrangements to go look at our slab. Here is the second problem, the company is located in Waterbury, CT. For my southern relatives, that is about 2 1/2 to 3 hrs. away. So we load up the babies (Mia was running a fever that day) and truck our SUV to CT, with gas prices now over the $4.00 mark! We look at the piece, looks good, and we make the date for it to be installed. The date is May 19th. They are once again suppose to be here between 8 and 11 (why they tell us that is beyond me because once again the place is 2 1/2 to 3 hours away). I call at 10:30 to find out when they will be here, and the guy hasn't even left yet. But I am assured he will be here by noon (miraculous because once again the place is 2 1/2 to 3 hrs away). I call at 2, and finally talk to the general manager, who tells me the guy didn't leave until 12:30 (but assured me he would be here by noon, go figure again!). Needless to say, he was here at 3:30 (as Kevin was getting home from work), and the countertop is beautiful. It seems to go on for miles. The color works perfectly with the color of the cabinets and floor tile. As soon as I remember to buy batteries for my camera, I will put up some pictures. We hope to do the backsplash this weekend, and then we are officially almost there.
I hope this makes up for the lack of posts over the last month. I promise to attempt to be better at it. If anyone wants to pose some cool topics, we can start a running dialogue between what I write and the comments. It can be kitchen/house related or not.

How about this for starters...
Our country is in a "mortgage crisis" right now. What are your views regarding why, and do you think the government should be bailing people out?

Here is mine and Kevin's point of view. We think it is from all of the people who have to have their 3500 square foot colonials and aren't happy with a modest house. When Kevin and I were approved for our mortgage, we were approved for $315,000, and that was 4 years ago, when we were making about $85,000 combined. We opted to go for a $200,000 mortgage instead, because for $315,000, we would have been "mortgaged up to our eye brows" literally. Don't get me wrong, that I didn't find the huge colonials gorgeous. But aside from the mortage, there is the cost to heat and cool the house, and furnish it, and worst of all, the taxes. In the state of NY, our taxes are ludicrous. For our 1200 square foot house and 1/3 acre, we pay $4850 a year. That is $400 a month! Now imagine the tax bill on a $315,000 house. My point with this is, even though the bank told us we could have a bigger house, logic took over, and we bought a house that fit our needs, that we liked, and more importantly could afford. We also have a mortgage that leaves room to do renovations like our kitchen. We knew we could turn this house into exactly what we want.
Did people really not think through the additional costs associated with buying a huge house? Should our government bail them out for their mistake, or in my opinion, their selfishness? And what about these shoddy mortgage companies? Why the heck would you ever buy a house with an interest rate that is higher than a credit card? Again, is it the need to buy the house beyond your means when the bank says "no"?

Let me conclude, by not wanting to offend anyone (I don't think this blog opinion applies to anyone who I directly know, it is more a stereotype and forgive me if my stereotype is wrong). I think the large houses are beautiful. I would never knock anyone for what they do have, and for the people that can afford them, or the people who save their money and buy their dream house, power to you! But for the others who buy them to "keep up with the Joneses", is it worth working 3 jobs to pay your mortgage? Do you ever get to enjoy the house? I would love to hear some opinions! Plus lets shout out about our beautiful homes! I will post the first comment!

Here's to our beautiful and modest homes ...

Before you read below, let me clarify...

I reread my post a couple of times and I don't want it taken the wrong way. I can handle an opposing opinion or a difference of opinion. In fact, I love dynamic discussions. The negativity I write of is the kind that takes "the wind out of your sails". It is the comments that are said when you are so excited and then BAM, they make you feel like a deflated balloon. The comments that are said purposely to "bring you down" because as I have learned, happiness does make some people uncomfortable.
Nobody that has posted on this blog has ever made me feel like that. In fact, quite the opposite, you make me feel good about our decisions and for that I am truly appreciative. I only use this blog as a sounding off point sometimes!
I love you all! I can't wait to see my southern family next week!

The cabinets are in!!!! (Make sure you check the renovation album!)

Kev, Ant and Pat got all the cabinets installed on Wednesday and Thursday nights. They look FANTASTIC. I am so flippin' excited, it isn't funny! The boys worked so well together and no matter what they say, I think they enjoyed the bonding time! (And the multiple 12 packs that were drank didn't hurt their spirits!)

As with any project that is done, there are always the "parade rainers" who have to throw in some negative opinions. A few of the ones I got were, "wood on the ceiling will make the ceiling feel lower" and "the room looks big now but when the cabinets go in, it will shrink right up" and "if you paint with two colors you have to make sure the corners are perfect or it won't look right". Well guess what, the ceiling is gorgeous and people cannot stop raving about it, the cabinets are in and they actually make the room seem bigger, and we are putting moldling down the corners so you won't see where the paint meets! The opinion you felt that you had to put in was worthless! And don't get me wrong, thinking that everyone has to like what we did. I am not delirious. I know that Kevin and I have taste that is very different from others. People don't have to like what we did. I just want people to appreciate all the hard work that went into this. If you don't like it, that is fine, but don't try to bring us down. I really feel that the negative attitude people possess comes from one of the following sources- insecurity, low self-esteem or envy (or maybe the three go hand in hand, if you possess one, you possess them all). I only say this from experience. I remember as a child feeling very insecure and I felt like I had to offer others a negative opinion because I was jealous of something they did or had. (To anyone I might have done this too, I am truly sorry, especially to you Meg, I think you took the bulk of it.) Now that I feel secure in who I am and our personal taste, I feel like have to be a personal cheerleader for everyone. I also have learned to love and appreciate what people do to their homes. There are so many factors that go into each decision. By the time something is picked out, you have hours labored into that thought. It is like a personal attack to hear a negative opinion, and it makes the hours that went into the decision feel very wasted. I have to love this blog because everyone who posts on here is so positive and I truly appreciate it. You all are my cheerleaders and I love you!

Our next step is the countertops. They are coming to do the template on the 23rd. We didn't think the cabinets would be in before Sunday and we are leaving for Florida on Tuesday (YES!), so we made the appt. for the day after we get back. And the fridge is out of the living room! My house is starting to feel normal again!

If you have been following this blog from the beginning, you will appreciate the pictures in the album of the man-cave! I think Kevin's breathing is reminiscent of preparing to dive into cold water every time he opens the door! I am sure the boxes will all be gone by Sunday!

Here is to positive opinions, a kitchen that looks like a kitchen, and LOTS of cardboard...

"They have arrived..."

The cabinets and appliances are here. I am so excited. The boys should have the cabinets installed by Sunday. We are already using our new refrigerator. The stainless steel adds a touch of class to our "redneck" living room. It is also so quiet. And since it doesn't blow out cold air from the bottom, I can once again play with the babies on the floor.
This is just so cool!

"what does it mean to be odd?"

odd -
-adjective
1. differing in nature from what is ordinary, usual, or expected
2. singular or peculiar in a strange or eccentric way
3. fantastic; bizarre

I have tried to think of a word that defines me as a person. So I looked up various words. I found that I am best defined by the word "odd". And I don't feel it is not in a bad way. I am actually feeling very proud to be defined as "odd". The word had multiple definitions, however, I think the first three define me perfectly.
The reason I feel the need to type this is because people really don't get me. I think that I am so different from most people in what makes me happy. The sad part is that it does make me the outcast in most conversations and situations. I have spent so many years feeling sad about my differences. It has made me feel like I don't fit in. There have been so many times in my life that I have tried to alter things about myself to try to fit in. At times in my life, I hid behind a mask of make-up and fake hair and fake nails. I altered my physical appearance to fit in and it didn't make me any happier on the inside. I went through the grunge phase (now called "emo") where I had a black light and screaming music and dark clothes. It didn't make me fit in. I wasted money on physical possessions to make me a part of a group. It left me broke, which further depressed me. I was medicated for depression because I couldn't find the root of my sadness. The doctoral solution was to keep adding more and more pills but it never fixed what was underneath. It was a band-aid to a festering wound.

My only life regret is that it took so long to figure this out.

Here is what I have found that has led me to a state of internal peace...it is the simple things in life.
I love to be outdoors.
I love the smell of fresh air, cut grass, fresh rain, sea water, and baby's skin.
I love to look at nature.
--------The other day, Kevin and I took the kids on a hike around the bashakill wetlands. We stopped and overlooked the bashakill and I found myself so thankful for being alive. There was this beautiful white tree that Kevin and I are still talking about. It was about 30 feet tall with the most beautiful white pattern on it where the bark had been stripped away. I can't fully explain how wonderful it felt that I could stop and enjoy it.
I am a person who does "stop and smell the coffee".
I love babies, children, teenagers, adults, and old people.
I love to smile and laugh.
I love to read.
I love animals, especially dogs and horses.
I love that when an emergency arises, I am calm and know what to do.
I love to look at pick-up trucks.
I like the sound of a diesel engine.
I love catfish fishing.
I love to eat meat, fish and seafood.
I love sushi and kashi.
I love the feel of aching muscles because I have physically pushed myself.
I love that Kevin is my best friend, and not someone I need to impress.
--------
I know it sounds strange but these are the things that really make me happy. Kevin and I and the kids had a wonderful day yesterday. We went grocery shopping, picked up sushi, watched parts of the Lord of the Rings, took the kids to the park to play, and then went hiking with the kids and Hank. We saw another beautiful tree. We looked at and discussed the pattern of barnwood on old barns. We discussed the amazing history that is related to the construction of the old D&H canal. This really made me happy. To people that I know, this probably sounds stupid and boring, but it made me feel happy and alive.

To all my special people, I am always available for a walk and a talk...

Waiting for the cabinets!

The tile is officially done. It just needs to be washed a few more times to remove the residual grout. It looks awesome. We decided not to do the border because most of it would have been covered by cabinets, a table and possibly a hutch. It would have been pretty expensive for something that wouldn't be seen. We could have tried to put it in half of the room but our measurements would have had to be spot on. We have noticed throughout all of our renovations that our house is crooked. This "crookedness" would have to be taken into account during the tiling process and it would have made a big job even bigger.
Our next step is cabinets. They were shipped from the manufacturer on Monday. I am waiting for the distributor to call to set up a delivery date. It is throwing off our schedule because Kevin had planned on installing them this weekend. If they are not delivered then he can't install them. So I am watching the phone willing it to ring! Our new appliances are suppose to be delivered on Saturday as well. We are getting a stainless steel whirlpool "suite". The suite package includes a new fridge, stove, dishwasher, and micro hood. As soon as they are up and running I have to say "farewell" to my living room refrigerator. Actually it will be more like "get the heck out and don't let the door hit you in your plug on the way out". Needless to say, I will not miss the 21 year old refrigerator whose ice tastes like garlic and is extremely loud at times and not energy efficient. That brings another thought to mind. Isn't it amazing that it has lasted this long and still keeps the food very cold in the fridge section and doesn't have a spot of frozen ice in the freezer. Things were made to last better in the past. My bro-in-law Anthony, who sells these appliances along with designing kitchens, says they are not made to last anymore because people are constantly wanting to upgrade to new. If they were built to last longer they would cost more money and that would deter people from buying. Do you know what else Anthony told me ... that the average kitchen is redone about every 17 years. I think we are going to grow old with this one Ant! The prospect of doing this again in 17 years doesn't appeal to me right now. I will let you know how I feel about this when I am 45 (that will be 17 years!).
I said awhile back that I would revisit the subject of cooking our meals. Well I still don't mind the actual cooking part. However, I HATE to wash dishes. I would rather scrub the toilet. In my kitchen EVERYTHING goes in the dishwasher. Thank goodness for paper plates, cups, and bowls. Oh and another fabulous invention is the liners for the crock pot. All I have to do is rinse it out and wash it lightly after we use it. And we are thankful to have a grill to use too. Another awesome invention is these marinades by McCormick seasonings. They are called "grill mates" and we LOVE them. They sell them by the chili seasoning packets. You buy the grill mates packet and mix it with oil, vinegar, and water. It is the best marinade that I have ever had. We have used it on salmon, tilapia, and chicken. I mix it up in the morning, leave the meat in the marinade in a ziplock bag all day and then grill it. Yummy! I highly suggest trying them. Let me know what you think if you do.
At the risk of this blog becoming ridiculously boring, I have a funny story to tell. Yesterday, little Kevin had a blow out poop. It went out his diaper and up has back. So, I started to run the bath water for him and went to undress him. Mia loves water and while the water is running into the tub, she will reach over and play in it. She also has a terrible habit of throwing whatever she can get her hands on into the water (ie. towels, washcloths, cups, rubbermaid containers). So as I am undressing little Kev, I hear a loud splash. I am thinking she threw Kevin's knee pads, that he wears to work on the floor, in the tub because they were in the bathroom, along with the sponges we were using the clean the floor. So I scoop up a naked Kevin and go running to the bathroom. Well, there in the middle of the tub, sits little Mia, pajamas and diaper and all. I couldn't yell at her because she looked so innocent (like everyone takes a bath fully dressed). I left the room with naked Kevin and laughed as hard as I could in the hall where she couldn't see me. Then, I ran for my camera because this is a moment I don't want to forget. So here is one of the pictures I took. I then washed Kev and drained the water, left Mia in the empty tub (I am a paranoid mother about kids and water) then went back and stripped her and washed her. It was one of those moments! From now on, when the bath water is running, the door will be closed. I really didn't think she would be able to climb over the side but she did. Thankfully she didn't get hurt in the process. And here is the unforgettable picture!


Here is to cabinets coming in and clean kids ...